Provided photo Geraldine DeFant and strikers circa 1946

The Marquette Regional History Center presents the Special Exhibit, “The U.P. Through 250 Artifacts” Feb. 23, 2026 – Jan. 2, 2027. This exhibit showcases two hundred and fifty artifacts, photographs, and documents from our permanent collections. These objects connect local history to the national story while commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has often seemed remote from the rest of the country. However, the themes and movements of U.S. history can be seen here as well, especially since the War of 1812. When the country braced for the Civil War, U.P. iron miners raced to uncover iron for the Union army’s railroads and munitions. When labor movements exploded following World War II, Ishpeming’s Gossard garment factory went on strike for better wages. Objects rarely on display include the medal awarded to a local Spanish American War nurse and a hand sewn battle flag brought home by a soldier from the War of 1812. Visit marquettehistory.org or call 906.226.3571 for more info.